Your cells are your foundation for health. If your cells begin behaving or functioning abnormally, your foundation will begin to crumble, leaving you vulnerable to a wide range of health problems. The body is incredibly resilient and efficient, but over time, a poor diet and lifestyle may weaken the health and vitality of your cells. The food you eat is also the food your cells consume, so by eating nutrient-dense food, you provide your cells with the support they need to keep your entire body healthy. Start stocking your fridge with some of the best foods known to support proper cellular health.

VegetablesCruciferous vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are excellent for your cells. They all contain substantial amounts of a compound called brassinin, which helps support healthy cell growth. They also contain diindolylmethane (DIM), which supports healthy hormonal balance in both men and women by promoting the excretion of xenoestrogens, which are “bad estrogens” we encounter through toxins and pollution.

In addition to leafy green vegetables, cooked tomatoes are also powerful for cellular health, as they are very high in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports health. The lycopene in cooked tomato products is more readily available for the body than in raw tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes in olive oil is a great way to combine lycopene with the heart healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Add purple potatoes to your next meal instead of white potatoes, as they contain anthocyanins, which are important antioxidants for protecting cells. In fact, the USDA states that darker potatoes have more than four times the antioxidant potential than common potatoes, and purple potatoes contain as many antioxidants as kale and spinach. Artichokes are another good option, as they contain potent phytochemicals, such as quercetin and Vitamin C, which have been shown to defend and support cellular health.

FruitsStrawberries are a delicious summer fruit high in certain antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which boost cellular health. When they are in season, they are especially nutritious, but try to buy organic when possible, as strawberry skins are very thin and the plants absorb a high amount of pesticides.

Supplements
In addition to a healthy diet, certain health supplements can also actively support cellular health. Modified Citrus Pectin is a powerful natural supplement made from citrus fruit, developed specifically to promote optimal cell health. By modifying the weight and size of citrus pectin molecules, they can enter the bloodstream and effectively support healthy cell growth. Modified citrus pectin achieves this by binding to galectin-3 molecules, which are present in large quantities on the surfaces of unhealthy cells.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz is a respected author, lecturer, researcher, product formulator, and clinical practitioner. He has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine since the early 1980s. Dr. Eliaz is a frequent guest lecturer on integrative medical approaches to health, immune enhancement, and cancer prevention and treatment. For more practical health advice, visit www.dreliaz.org.